It’s a Wrap | Jewish News

Patrons of the Arts goes to Aviva Pembroke for cinema and connection

Heather Nevins — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:58:40 +0000

Members of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Patrons of the Arts gathered at Aviva Pembroke on Wednesday, May 20 for a screening of Once Upon My Mother. The film tells the story of a mother’s unwavering devotion as she helps her son, born with a clubfoot in 1963, overcome physical challenges and social barriers while navigating life’s ups and downs.

Patron of the Arts donors, Beth Scharlop (co-chair of the Jewish Film Festival) and Roger Schultz attended the event.

“We appreciate the Patron of the Arts program for its support of the Jewish Book Festival, Jewish Film Festival, and other Jewish cultural programs that enrich our lives in Tidewater,” says Scharlop.

As part of a broader collaboration with Beth Sholom Village and Aviva Pembroke, attendees were also given the opportunity to tour Aviva’s facility.
“We really enjoyed the screening of Once Upon My Mother and tour of the Aviva residences. As always, it is a more meaningful experience to watch films together and discuss them with community members,” says Schultz.

Fay Silverman, chair of Beth Sholom Village’s board of directors, says, “The Beth Sholom Village Board was grateful for the opportunity to support the Jewish Film Festival this past year. Providing meaningful Jewish-themed stories and cultural experiences is an important part of our community outreach and engagement efforts.

“We also want to congratulate the Patron of the Arts community on a very successful year. Beth Sholom Village is especially appreciative of the opportunity to share several of the films with residents at Aviva Pembroke, helping to bring these enriching experiences directly to our senior community,” says Silverman.

The film screening was part of the enhanced Patron of the Arts donor benefit structure, introduced for the 2025 – 2026 season, which focuses on creating exclusive artistic and cultural experiences for supporters. In addition to the film screening, qualifying donors receive increased access to Arts + Ideas guest speakers, pre-sale access to Jewish Film Festival tickets, and other opportunities.

The 2026 – 2027 Patron of the Arts season launches in July. To learn more about supporting Jewish arts and culture throughout Tidewater, contact Heather Nevins, UJFT’s development manager, at HNevins@UJFT.org or 757-452-6925, or visit JewishVA.org/SupportTheArts.

The Simon family Legacy Society Celebration ignites vision for the future

Tidewater Jewish Foundation Staff — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:55:41 +0000

Tidewater Jewish Foundation’s Simon Family Legacy Celebration on Wednesday, May 27 was an opportunity for communities to converge, gathering around a shared vision, shared responsibility, and shared purpose.

More than 100 TJF fundholders, community leaders, philanthropists, and Life & Legacy Ignite the Flame participants came together for an evening that felt less like a traditional event and more like a collective affirmation of where Jewish Tidewater is headed.

In addition to highlighting what has already been accomplished through TJF, the evening focused on what is now possible because of the community’s willingness to think bigger, lead boldly, and invest intentionally in the future of Jewish education, security, and cultural life.

In opening remarks, Britt Simon, president of the Simon Family Foundation, which sponsored the evening, reflected on the meaning of legacy and the responsibility of carrying values forward through philanthropy and communal leadership.

“Legacy is not measured only by what we build, but by the values we pass forward,” Simon said. “The true strength of any legacy is found in people; in the commitments we make to one another and to the communities we serve.”

During the event, attendees heard about the momentum Tidewater Jewish Foundation is building throughout the community and its vision to grow $500 million in permanent endowment with assets dedicated to strengthening and securing Jewish life in the region. Doing so follows TJF’s mission to build and guide more resources to empower Jewish life in Tidewater and beyond.

Keynote speaker Rabbi Daniel Cohen brought both inspiration and challenge to the evening, encouraging attendees to think deeply about purpose, impact, and the lives they are actively shaping.

The evening also marked a moment of continuity and leadership as Eddie Kramer, outgoing TJF chair, ceremonially passed the torch to Paul Peck, incoming chair, during a moving “passing of the light” ceremony that symbolized stewardship, trust, and the continuation of vision from one leader to the next.

A particularly joyful moment of the evening took place when guest Cantor Jason Schachter McKinney performed two spirited musical pieces that energized the room and inspired a sense of forward movement.

As flashlights illuminated the room during a communal rendition of This Little Light of Mine, the message of the evening was clear: the future of Jewish Tidewater is not something to wait for. It is something being built now – brighter together.

Britt Simon welcomes attendees at the 2026 Simon Family Legacy Society Celebration

Cantor David Proser, Rabbi Levi Brashevitsky, Rabbi Daniel Cohen, and Rabbi Shlomo Eisenberg.

Shavuot Mitzvah Fair at SIA

Rashi Brashevitzky — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:52:55 +0000

This year, Shavuot celebrated 3,338 years since the giving of the Torah at Mt. Sinai. To this very day, Jews continue to study the Torah, cherish it, and hold it close. The Torah serves as guidance on how to live and make the world a better place.

SIA’s Primary Years students prepared for Shavuot with a celebration sponsored by the Glasser family in memory of Richard Glasser, whose mantra was, “Do the right thing, the right way, for the right reason.” Glasser understood the value in being a “mensch” and leading a life based on values and doing good in the world. The Torah, which teaches how to do the right thing, was given on Shavuot, making this holiday the perfect time to honor Richard Glasser’s memory.

The Shavuot celebration included a variety of activities designed to foster a love of Torah, Jewish tradition, and helping others. Students learned to help those in need by packing lunches to be distributed to families in the ForKids family shelter. Students created paper flowers for a Shavuot service at a local senior living community, encouraging students to value and brighten the lives of others. Mt. Sinai cupcakes, complete with flower sprinkles and alef-bet cookies, served as a reminder to serve with joy. The celebration was rounded out with students decorating and filling vases with flowers as part of the tradition to decorate with flowers for Shavuot.

The Shavuot celebration was a beautiful way for students to recognize the gift of the Torah and learn how to put Torah teachings into practice.

Rashi Brashevitzky is Judaic Studies director at Strelitz International Academy.

Bearing witness through art: students gather to see their work on display

Kyleigh Eyl — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:51:06 +0000

Throughout May, area students visited the Sandler Family Campus to view their artwork displayed in the Cardo.

The exhibit featured pieces from the Holocaust Commission of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s annual Elie Wiesel Writing & Visual Arts Competition. For 29 years, students from around the world have submitted powerful entries inspired by the lessons of the Holocaust and the importance of remembrance, humanity, and hope.

The artwork on display reflected a wide range of emotions and perspectives, with students using different artistic styles and mediums to tell stories, honor survivors, and explore the impact of history through their creative expression.

In addition to celebrating the creativity and talent of the student artists, the exhibit also served as a meaningful reminder of the importance of preserving memory through the arts.

For more information about the Holocaust Commission or the Elie Wiesel Writing & Visual Arts Competition, contact Elka Mednick at emednick@ujft.org.

Alice Parker Hall beside her artwork, Pain Can’t Be Erased.

Nadiv Poker Night returns for second successful year

Danny Rubin — Thu, 28 May 2026 15:35:41 +0000

Ninety-seven poker players filed onto the Sandler Family Campus to compete in Nadiv’s Texas Hold ’Em tournament for the chance to win various prizes, including a $500 Amazon gift card on Tuesday, May 12.

The event raised more than $25,000 with most of those funds going to support PJ Library in Tidewater. PJ Library sends families free, high-quality Jewish storybooks each month.

The tournament winner, Jon Horwitz, fended off Jason Hoffman at the final table to take first place.

Many Nadiv members set up the room and managed the event all night (ending at 11 pm). Special thanks to the dealers who kept the table action moving and to Tom Edwards, JCC athletics director, for running a flawless tournament.

A young professional men’s fundraising group through UJFT, Nadiv is open to men ages 22-50. Interested in joining? Contact Amy Zelenka at AZelenka@ujft.org.

A packed house for the Second annual Nadiv Poker Night.

Custom poker chips were created for this year’s tournament and all future poker events.

Bob Weinberg, Doug Moses, and Jeff Laibstain before the poker tournament starts.

The winner of the 2026 Nadiv Poker Night, Jon Horwitz, smiles after the victory.

On our way to Mt. Sinai… and we got there!

Pati Menda Oliszewski — Thu, 28 May 2026 15:26:31 +0000

Every year, we count the Omer between Pessach and Shavuot. Seven weeks. Forty-nine days.

For many of us, it can feel like just another Jewish ritual quietly tucked between two major holidays. But this year, through Amy Lefcoe’s six-week class, On Our Way to Mt. Sinai, I realized something deeper: the journey itself is the point.

Pessach is not only about freedom from Egypt. It is about asking ourselves a much harder question: What am I still a slave to?

Maybe it is anger. Ego. Fear. The need to control outcomes. The need to always be right. Maybe it is judgment. Maybe it is the endless distractions that keep us far from who we want to become.

The Omer invites us into a process of refinement. Not perfection — refinement.

Week after week, we explored the idea that Judaism does not expect us to erase our difficult character traits. We are human beings. We were created with complexity. But we are also expected to work on ourselves constantly. In Judaism, personal growth is not self-help. It is spiritual work.

One sentence from the class stayed with me: “We are not what our nature is.”

That idea is both comforting and challenging. We may naturally lean toward impatience, arrogance, resentment, anxiety, or anger — but those traits do not define us. They are simply the material we were given to work with.

And perhaps that is why the people in our lives are there, too.

Sometimes the people who challenge us the most are also the people helping us grow the most. Judaism teaches that our relationships become mirrors for our character. They expose what still needs healing.

One of the strongest discussions we had centered around anger. Amy Lefcoe referenced the plague of frogs in Egypt: it began with one frog, but every time it was hit, it multiplied. Anger works the same way. Once we start “hitting the frog,” it grows bigger and louder and harder to stop.

And often, anger comes from ego — from unmet expectations, from feeling unseen, unheard, or not in control.

Judaism offers another path: humility.

Not humiliation. Not thinking less of ourselves. But recognizing that we are not the center of everything.

One insight I loved was: “Don’t take pride; take pleasure.”

We are not the creators of every success in our lives. We are simply “cashing the check” that God gave us the opportunity to receive. We are responsible for the effort. God is responsible for the outcome.

That shift changes everything.

Because once life becomes less about “me,” gratitude naturally enters the picture.

And gratitude is one of Judaism’s greatest foundations.

It begins every morning with Modeh Ani, thanking Hashem for returning our soul to us for another day. Gratitude appears throughout our prayers, our blessings, our traditions. We are constantly reminded to notice the good. To recognize that even difficult moments may contain opportunities for growth.

Lefcoe spoke often about bitachon — trust in God. Not passive trust, but active trust. The understanding that we still pray, try, work, and show up… while also recognizing that not everything is ours to carry.

We hold so much weight on our shoulders. But maybe part of spiritual growth is learning to put some of it down.

None of this is easy.

But perhaps that is exactly what the journey to Mt. Sinai is supposed to teach.

Receiving the Torah was never only about standing at the mountain once, thousands of years ago. It is about asking ourselves, every single year:

Who do I want to be when I arrive there?

More humble?

More grateful?

Less judgmental?

More trusting?

Closer to God?

Closer to the person I was meant to become?

The truth is, we are all still on our way to Mt. Sinai.

Still learning.

Still refining.

Still trying.

And maybe that is the holiest part of the journey.

For more information about classes offered by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Konikoff Center for Learning, visit JewishVA.org/KCL or contact Sierra Lautman at SLautman@ujft.org.

BeAR Literacy Project celebrates a year of growth and heart

Robin Ford — Fri, 15 May 2026 12:34:49 +0000

The BeAR Literacy Project concluded another meaningful school year with its annual End-of-the-Year Mentor Luncheon, a celebration of the extraordinary volunteers whose time, patience, and compassion continue to change children’s lives.

Approximately 140 students participated in BeAR during this school year. Some of the students proudly reached their reading goals and “graduated,” while others continued progressing steadily week by week. New students also joined the BeAR family, each paired with a caring mentor who offered encouragement, consistency, and confidence along the way.

For 26 years, under the leadership of Gail Flax, BeAR has connected dedicated adult mentors with local Title I elementary school students. The success of the program is rooted in the commitment of these volunteers who faithfully give their time every week, building relationships that often become just as important as the reading lessons themselves.

One especially moving moment at the luncheon came from a 90-year-old mentor who shared that older adults are no longer truly heard. BeAR reminds both children and adults how important it is to listen with care. When mentors take time to listen, students feel seen, valued, and important. In addition, the students learn to offer that same respect to others.

This year also marked meaningful milestones. BeAR welcomed its first deaf mentor, whose student not only improved his reading skills but also learned some sign language skills and the importance of respectful communication. The luncheon also recognized volunteers and school partners who continued mentoring through personal hardships and even government shutdowns.

BeAR is about far more than reading levels. It is about trust, kindness, confidence, and connection. Most importantly, it is a reminder that every mentor matters, and every hour they give leaves a lasting impact on a child’s life.

Those who would like to join BeAR in the upcoming 2026/27 school year should contact Robin Ford at 757-321-2304 or rford@ujft.org.

Yom Ha’Atzmaut brings community together for Israel @78

Nofar Trem — Fri, 15 May 2026 12:32:50 +0000

Jewish Tidewater gathered in full force for a Yom Ha’Atzmaut celebration on Sunday, April 26 that was hosted by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and presented by Avraham and Karen Ashkenazi. The event took place on the Sandler Family Campus.

Marking Israel’s 78th Independence Day, the afternoon brought together families and friends of all ages for an experience centered on gathering and connection.

Even with rainy weather throughout the day, the spirit of the community never wavered. The rain did not stop attendees from showing up in large numbers, embracing the opportunity to be together and celebrate their shared connection to Israel.

Children moved between Israel-themed activity stations while families enjoyed Israeli food and music. Community partners created hands-on experiences that brought Israel’s culture, history, and values to life. A highlight of the day was the ESEK Shuk, where Israeli small businesses showcased handcrafted goods and art, offering attendees a way to support Israeli entrepreneurs and connect to their stories.

Megan Zuckerman, UJFT’s Jewish Community Relations Council’s Israel chair, says about the impact of the marketplace, “My daughter, Chloe, and I loved every minute spent with Ofek and learning how he created ESEK to help as many artists, Nova festival survivors, and IDF reservists as possible, who were understandably struggling after the horror they experienced on October 7th and its aftermath. Out of great tragedy, Ofek and ESEK have given light, hope, and beauty not only to the artisans but also to us, the customers, and the greater community who got to view, purchase, and now own a piece of these Israelis’ stories and resulting artistry.”

Held just after Yom HaZikaron, the gathering reflected the traditional transition from remembrance to joy that defines Yom Ha’Atzmaut, bringing the community together in resilience and pride.

“My family had such an incredible time at Israel Fest!” says Leigh Casson. “There was something meaningful and fun for every age. Seeing my boys so engaged and excited was really special. My kids loved all of the activities, and I enjoyed exploring the Israeli small businesses—there was so much creativity and heart in everything they offered. More than anything, seeing our community show up with such strong, visible support for Israel was incredible. Can’t wait for next year!”

As the day ended, a lasting impression was left of what it means to show up for one another—with pride, purpose, and heart. Through shared experiences, connections, and unwavering support for Israel, the community was reminded that even in challenging times, coming together remains a powerful source of strength and hope.

For more information on upcoming Israel-related programs, visit JewishVA.org or contact Nofar Trem at NTrem@UJFT.org. Save the date for next year’s Yom Ha’Atzmaut gathering on Sunday, May 16, 2027.

Alex and Alexandra Kosatykh.

Amy Brooke, Anna and Chana Horowitz, and Jeff Brooke.

Bellamy and Cora Baldwin, and Bayla Shames.

Courtney Krutoy, Hatti Friedman, and Anya

Farkas family.

Marcy Mostofsky, Ilana Peck Leibler, and Michael Mostofsky.

Mark Solberg and Rabbi Michael Panitz.

Monica Gerand volunteering with ESEK.

Nechama and Noam Haas.

Ofir family.

Persaud family.

Zibby Robertson.

Leah and Rabbi Ari Oliszewski.

Rabbi Levy Brashevitzky and Sammy Alofer.

Yaala Nimrod.

Israeli Chef’s Table Experience brings community, culture, and cuisine together for Israel Fest

Nofar Trem — Fri, 15 May 2026 12:23:04 +0000

As part of this year’s Israel @ 78 celebration, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater hosted its signature Israeli Chef’s Table Experience, an evening that blended vibrant flavors, storytelling, and a deep sense of community connection.

Held at the Sandler Family Campus, the event featured celebrated chefs Ben and Zikki Siman-Tov, the rising culinary stars behind New York City’s Buba Bureka and authors of the acclaimed cookbook eat small plates, whose modern, shareable approach to Israeli cuisine reflects both tradition and innovation. Guests were treated to a thoughtfully curated kosher three-course meal inspired by authentic Israeli flavors, while the chefs shared personal stories highlighting the powerful ties between food, heritage, and identity.

More than just a meal, the evening emphasized the Israeli tradition of gathering around the table. The Siman-Tovs’ philosophy of “small plates” encourages diners to share, taste, and build connections, transforming food into a communal experience. That spirit was felt throughout the evening, as attendees lingered over each course, savoring both the dishes and the company.

“What a wonderful evening! If I could put the basil dip in a bucket and eat it with a spoon, I would—it was unbelievably good. Even more special was the chance to come together as a community and share time with one another; how fitting that we do it over a meal,” says Jason Hoffman.
“This was my first time attending the Israeli Chef’s Table Experience. The Federation put on a great event and the food was excellent,” says Jake Glasser. “I will definitely be attending next year.”

The Israeli Chef’s Table Experience continues to be a highlight of Tidewater’s Yom Ha’Atzmaut programming, offering not only a taste of Israel’s diverse culinary landscape but also an opportunity to strengthen community bonds. In a time when connection feels more important than ever, the evening served as a reminder that sometimes the most powerful way to come together is simply to sit, share, and enjoy a meal.

For more information on upcoming Israel-related programs, visit JewishVA.org or contact Nofar Trem at NTrem@UJFT.org.

Rachelle Karp, Mona Flax, and Laura Gross.

Renee Strelitz, Shelly Simon, and Shari Friedman.

Rabbi Gershon Litt, Janet Meyers, and Jim Guggenheim.

Leah and Jonathan Glaser.

Altmeyer Funeral Home table attendees.

Regent University table attendees.

Megan Zuckerman, L.T. and Stacie Caplan, and Steve Zuckerman

Annie and Art Sandler.

Avidan Itzhak, Danny Rubin, and Aviv Faraj.

Chef’s Ben and Zikki Simantov.

Fred Gross and Andrew Cohen.

JFS’s 22nd Annual Run, Roll, Stroll: Races for fun and funds

Julie Kievit — Fri, 15 May 2026 12:13:57 +0000

Jewish Family Service of Tidewater raised vital funds for community services during its 22nd Annual Run, Roll, Stroll on Sunday, May 3, attracting nearly 300 participants to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront for a 5K and community walk.

Hundreds of community members, families, volunteers, and supporters arrived for a morning filled with fun, fellowship, and philanthropy. The event serves as JFS’s largest fundraiser of the year, helping ensure the agency can continue meeting the growing needs of the Hampton Roads community.

Run, Roll, Stroll offered something for everyone, from the 5K race to the 1-Mile Fun Run and community stroll. Participants also enjoyed a variety of family-friendly activities including fairy hair, bubbles, glitter tattoos, and a balloon twister, creating an energetic atmosphere along the oceanfront.

The event highlighted the strength and spirit of the community, with teams representing local organizations and congregations coming out in support of JFS. Strelitz International Academy won the trophy for the largest team with Team Tiger, while Ohef Sholom Temple had the second-largest team. Participation in the race continues to grow each year.

The money raised through race registration and sponsors is used to support JFS programs. JFS emphasizes that donations remain essential in sustaining the agency’s mission and services throughout the year.

“Run, Roll, Stroll would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors and community partners. The generous support we receive all goes back into the community — 86 cents of every dollar directly helps someone in need,” says Kelly Burroughs, CEO of JFS. “We use events like Run, Roll, Stroll to bring the community together for fun and fellowship, but also importantly to thank the hundreds of people in the community that make it possible.”

“The board members and volunteers play an integral part every year in making Run, Roll, Stroll a success and we are so thankful to have a board that is excited to come out and show their support,” says Brooke Rush, JFS director of development.

For more information about Jewish Family Service of Tidewater or to support its mission, visit JFSHamptonroads.org. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, contact Julie Kievit, Jewish Community Relations manager, at jkievit@jfshamptonroads.org.

Adam Leiderman and Ina Leiderman.

Eliot and Dani Weinstein.

Maya Ball.

Benjamin Tabakin, Leo Baker, Zachary Kingsland, and Shai Rubin.

Jamie Baker, Amy Weinstein, Adam Leiderman, Heather Moore, and Carin Simon.

Naomi Sedek, Helen Sissel, Charlotte Zito, Ari Zito, and Lawrence Steingold.

Persaud family.

Theo Trem and Ruby Kievit.

Noah and Molly Weiner.

The race is on!